A patient is admitted for a hip replacement complicated by uncontrolled diabetes and early dementiThe nurse coordinates referrals to an endocrinologist to establish an insulin protocol and organizes out-patient physical therapy in an Alzheimer's assisted living facility upon discharge. The role of this nurse is the:

Questions 113

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ATI RN Test Bank

Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions

Question 1 of 9

A patient is admitted for a hip replacement complicated by uncontrolled diabetes and early dementiThe nurse coordinates referrals to an endocrinologist to establish an insulin protocol and organizes out-patient physical therapy in an Alzheimer's assisted living facility upon discharge. The role of this nurse is the:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C (case manager) is correct: 1. A case manager coordinates referrals and services for patients with complex needs, such as this patient with diabetes and dementia. 2. In this scenario, the nurse is coordinating referrals to an endocrinologist and organizing physical therapy, which aligns with the role of a case manager. 3. Case managers ensure continuity of care and facilitate communication between different healthcare providers. 4. The nurse's role in organizing follow-up care and services for the patient falls under the responsibilities of a case manager. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Informatics specialist - This role focuses on managing health information systems, not coordinating referrals and services for patients. B: Educator - While education may be a component of the nurse's role, the primary focus in this scenario is on coordinating referrals and services, which is more in line with a case manager's responsibilities. D: Quality manager - Quality managers focus on ensuring healthcare services meet quality standards

Question 2 of 9

The priority intervention to improve work-related quality of life for nurses is to:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: provide safe harbors for unjust or unsafe work assignments. This is the priority intervention because ensuring a safe work environment is crucial for nurses' well-being and quality of life. By addressing unjust or unsafe work assignments, nurses can feel supported and protected, leading to improved job satisfaction and overall quality of life. Option B: improving nurse-physician communications is important but not as critical as ensuring a safe work environment. Option C: requiring professional development courses is beneficial but may not directly address the immediate concerns of nurses' quality of life. Option D: improving vertical working relationships is important, but addressing unsafe work conditions should take precedence for nurses' well-being.

Question 3 of 9

An RN delegates to an experienced LPN/LVN the task of administering oral medications to a group of patients. The LPN/LVN accepts the assignment, and the RN knows that the LPN/LVN has had the training and has acquired the skills needed to complete the task. The RN then observes the LPN/LVN recording a patient's medication administration just before entering the patient's room. The priority intervention by the RN is to:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: stop the LPN/LVN immediately and discuss the possible consequences of his actions in a nonjudgmental manner. This is the priority intervention because it addresses the immediate issue of potentially incorrect documentation and allows for clarity and understanding between the RN and LPN/LVN. It promotes open communication and a chance to correct any errors that may have occurred. Choice A is incorrect because checking the drug packages after the fact does not address the issue of potentially incorrect documentation and missed medications. Choice C is incorrect as it is an extreme response that does not promote a collaborative and educational approach to resolving the situation. Choice D is incorrect as calling the pharmacy for replacement medications is not necessary at this stage and does not address the immediate concern of potentially incorrect documentation.

Question 4 of 9

A physician bills the insurance company for a computed tomography (CT) scan, laboratory tests, chest x-ray, and an extended visit and receives revenue for each procedure billed. This type of payment system is a payment system.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: capitated. In a capitated payment system, the physician receives a fixed amount per patient regardless of the services provided. This incentivizes cost-effective care and promotes preventive measures. In this scenario, the physician is receiving revenue for each procedure billed, which is not characteristic of capitated payment. A: Prospective payment is when a fixed amount is determined in advance for specific services rendered. This is not the case in the scenario provided. B: Retrospective payment involves reimbursement after the services are provided, which is not reflected in the scenario given. C: Diagnosis-related group (DRG) is a payment system used in hospitals based on the diagnosis and procedures performed, not applicable to individual physician billing as presented in the question.

Question 5 of 9

A nurse is concerned that the policy of using povidone-iodine (Betadine) to clean foot ulcers may lead to unwarranted allergic reactions and drying of surrounding tissue. A literature review is performed to determine the "best practice" related to care of foot ulcers. This nurse: (select all that apply)

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the nurse is using evidence-based practice by conducting a literature review to determine the best practice for caring for foot ulcers. Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to make informed decisions about patient care. This nurse is ensuring that the care provided is based on current research and best practices, which can lead to better patient outcomes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the nurse's action of conducting a literature review to determine best practices for foot ulcer care. Choice B mentions critical thinking but does not specifically address evidence-based practice. Choice C focuses on cost-effectiveness and level of education, which are not relevant to the nurse's evidence-based practice. Choice D refers to clinical competence, which is not the main focus of the nurse's action in this scenario.

Question 6 of 9

A nurse who functions in the role of team leader can be held negligent for matters involving:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: delegation of client care tasks. A team leader nurse can be held negligent for improper delegation as they are responsible for assigning tasks to appropriate staff ensuring safe and effective care. This is crucial for patient safety. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because inadequate training, lack of policies, and failure to discipline unsafe workers are not directly related to the nurse's role in delegation and immediate patient care responsibilities.

Question 7 of 9

If a nurse practicing in a mental health agency could only belong to one professional organization, what criteria could be used to select the organization with the biggest impact?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Specialty organizations such as the American Psychiatric Nurses Association lobby for higher education requirements for nurses. Rationale: 1. Specialty organizations like the American Psychiatric Nurses Association focus specifically on mental health nursing, ensuring targeted advocacy and support. 2. Lobbying for higher education requirements demonstrates a commitment to advancing the profession and improving the quality of care. 3. Higher education requirements can lead to better outcomes for patients and enhance the credibility and expertise of mental health nurses. Summary: A: The American Nurses Association may have a broad reach, but it may not prioritize mental health nursing specifically. C: State nursing associations may have limitations in lobbying power, focusing more on state-level issues. D: Professional organizations like AAHN, while valuable for preserving history, may not actively advocate for current professional development and standards.

Question 8 of 9

A patient states, "My cancer is in remission finally after all that chemotherapy, my friend used the same chemotherapy and wasn't so lucky. I want to continue participating in spiritual care and 'mind games' to keep my memory intact. I am also enrolled in Tai chi, but I just can't stop thinking about my sick lung." This patient adheres to which principle underlying alternative healing?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice B is correct: 1. The patient believes in the power of complementary alternative therapies to help the body heal itself. 2. This aligns with the principle underlying alternative healing, which emphasizes the body's innate ability to heal. 3. By engaging in spiritual care, mind games, Tai chi, and focusing on memory and lung health, the patient is supporting the body's natural healing processes. 4. This choice is correct as it reflects the patient's belief in utilizing alternative therapies to support the body's healing mechanisms. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A. This choice suggests a negative alteration affecting the mind and spirit, which is not directly related to the patient's belief in complementary alternative therapies for healing. C. While individualized approaches to therapy are important in alternative healing, this choice does not directly address the patient's belief in the body's ability to heal itself. D. While focusing on total lifestyle is important in alternative healing, this choice does not directly

Question 9 of 9

An inexperienced nurse has heard of other novice nurses who take shortcuts in providing patient care. This nurse feels that this is unacceptable and that all tasks must be performed faultlessly, which leads to her inability to complete all assigned tasks. This nurse would benefit from the seminar "Obstacles to Time Management: How to Deal with:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perfectionism. This nurse's belief that all tasks must be performed faultlessly is indicative of perfectionism, which can lead to inefficiency and inability to prioritize tasks effectively. By attending a seminar on overcoming perfectionism, the nurse can learn strategies to manage time more efficiently and prioritize tasks based on their importance. Creativity (option A) is not directly related to the nurse's struggle with completing tasks. Failure (option C) does not address the root cause of the nurse's issue. Downtime (option D) does not address the underlying perfectionism that is hindering the nurse's time management.

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